Olive oil storage: how long does it stay good?
Are you wondering the best way to store olive oil? How long does it stay good, and can you put it in the refrigerator? And what if the expiration date has passed? In this blog, we answer the most frequently asked questions about olive oil storage!
In brief
Don't have time (or desire) to read everything? No problem! Here are the key points in a nutshell:
- Olive oil stays good for a long time if you store it the right way.
- Store it in a cool, dark place - but not in the refrigerator.
- Keep tasting: does it still taste and smell delicious? Then you are in the right place!
How long does olive oil stay good?
Olive oil may have an expiration date, but that doesn't mean you should immediately throw it away after that. In countries like Portugal, people keep their olive oil for years and still enjoy it. The flavor may lighten, but as long as the smell and taste are okay, you can use the oil with confidence.
Can you store olive oil in the refrigerator?
Many people think you should store olive oil in the refrigerator to keep it good longer. But that's not necessary - and can even be detrimental. In the refrigerator, olive oil can become cloudy and form flakes. This is not dangerous, but it is inconvenient. Let it come to room temperature and it will become clear again. The best place? A cool, dark place outside the refrigerator.
What is the best place to store olive oil?
Olive oil does not like light, heat and oxygen. Want to keep it fresh as long as possible? Then put the bottle in a kitchen cabinet, far away from the stove. Even better: if you have a large quantity, put part of it in the cellar or pantry at a constant, cool temperature. That way, the flavor will be optimally preserved. Ceramic bottles provide even better protection from light and temperature changes. We have already written another article about this!
How do you recognize tainted olive oil?
Olive oil doesn't spoil like milk or meat, but it can go rancid. How can you tell? By smelling and tasting! A musty or sour smell and an unpleasant taste mean your oil has deteriorated. Fresh olive oil, on the other hand, has a fruity, peppery and sometimes slightly bitter taste. Trust your senses!
Can you still use olive oil after its expiration date?
The expiration date on the bottle is a guideline, but that does not mean the oil is immediately unusable after that. With proper storage, olive oil can still be of good quality even after the THT date. In doubt? Keep tasting and smelling. When in doubt, it is better to stop using the oil.
To recap
How long olive oil stays good depends on how you store it. In many countries, people use their olive oil for years without problems. Make sure you store it in the right place and trust your senses. Does everything still taste and smell great? Then your olive oil is still good!
Want top quality olive oil? Our extra virgin olive oil has low acidity and is carefully produced, making it extra long-lasting.
